Input Testing Tool

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments provide an input test tool that promotes precision testing, flexibility and repeatability over a wide variety of functionality tests that are utilized in both touch and near-touch input scenarios. The input test tool enables a variety of degrees of motion, including both linear and rotational motion, so that a device under test can be tested utilizing a number of different linear and/or rotational input scenarios.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/659,777, entitled “Input Testing Tool”, filed on Oct. 24, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Testing touch and near-touch device displays can be a challenging task due to the precision that is typically utilized, along with the desirability for repeatability for different testing scenarios. These testing scenarios often involve testing a wide range of functionality that is utilized to test touch and near-touch inputs. These inputs can include linear motion inputs, rotational inputs, tapping inputs, and converging and diverging inputs such as “pinch” and “spread” gestures.

One way of testing such inputs is to use individual stencil guides and actuators for each particular different type of input that is desired to be tested. Stencils are typically not adjustable which, in turn, leads to a situation in which each different type of input utilizes a different dedicated stencil.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

Various embodiments provide an input test tool that promotes precision testing, flexibility and repeatability over a wide variety of functionality tests that are utilized in both touch and near-touch input scenarios. The input test tool enables a variety of degrees of motion, including both linear and rotational motion, so that a device under test can be tested utilizing a number of different linear and/or rotational input scenarios.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of an example input test tool in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 1 a is a front elevation view of the input test tool of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate the input test tool being utilized in an example testing scenario.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate the input test tool being utilized in another example testing scenario.

FIG. 10 illustrates the input test tool being utilized in another example testing scenario.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate the input test tool being utilized in another example testing scenario.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example actuator assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example actuator, in a side sectional view, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example actuator assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate the input test tool being utilized in another example testing scenario.

FIGS. 21 a-21 c are flow diagrams that describe, respectively, steps in a method in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example device that can be utilized for automated testing in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Various embodiments provide an input test tool that promotes precision testing, flexibility and repeatability over a wide variety of functionality tests that are utilized in both touch and near-touch input scenarios. The input test tool enables a variety of degrees of motion, including both linear and rotational motion, so that a device under test can be tested utilizing a number of different linear and/or rotational input scenarios. In one or more embodiments, the input test tool can be configured to operate in a manual mode. Alternately or additionally, the input test tool can operate in an automated mode.

In various embodiments, the input test tool is reconfigurable to promote a variety of different touch and near-touch tests. This can be done through the use of one or more actuators which are removably mountable on the input test tool to accommodate a variety of testing scenarios. In addition, a variety of degrees of motion can be utilized including, by way of example and not limitation, linear motion in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, as well as in the Z-axis direction for height adjustments. Further, one or more rotational degrees of motion can be provided. Rotational degrees of motion can be utilized to rotationally position a device under test and/or to provide an arc motion in which one or more actuators can be moved in an arc relative to a device display. The various tests that can be performed can include testing a display device, as described below, or any other structure that receives touch input, such as a touch pad.

In the discussion that follows, a section entitled “Example Input Testing Tool” describes an example input testing tool in accordance with one or more embodiments. Following this, a section entitled “X-axis Motion” describes an example input test scenario in accordance with one or more embodiments. Next, a section entitled “Y-axis Motion” describes an example input test scenario in accordance with one or more embodiments. Following this, a section entitled “Z-axis Motion” describes an example input test scenario in accordance with one or more embodiments. Next, a section entitled “R1-axis Motion” describes an example input test scenario in accordance with one or more embodiments. Following this, a section entitled “R2-axis Motion” describes an example input test scenario in accordance with one or more embodiments. Next, a section entitled “Cross Rail Bracket and Actuator” describes an example cross rail bracket in accordance with one or more embodiments. Following this, a section entitled “Pinch Hanger” describes an example pinch hanger in accordance with one or more embodiments. Next, a section entitled “Automated Mode Testing” describes an example embodiment in which testing can be conducted in an automated fashion in accordance with one or more embodiments. Last, a section entitled “Example Device” describes an example device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Having provided an overview of various embodiments that are to be described below, consider now an example input testing tool in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Example Input Testing Tool

FIGS. 1 and 1 a illustrate an example input testing tool in accordance with one or more embodiments, generally at 10. The input testing tool 10 includes a frame 11 having a base 11 a, a pair of generally opposed sidewalls 11 b, 11 c mounted to base 11 a, and a rear wall 11 d mounted to base 11 a and both sidewalls 11 b, 11 c. Each sidewall 11 b, 11 c supports a respective side rail 12, 14.

The input testing tool 10 includes a transverse rail 16 slidably mounted on side rails 12, 14 for reciprocation along the side rails. A carriage 18 is slidably mounted on transverse rail 16 for reciprocation along the transverse rail and includes an upper portion 20 that resides generally above the transverse rail 16, and a lower portion 22 that resides generally beneath the transverse rail 16. The lower portion 22 of carriage 18 supports an actuator assembly 23 described in more detail below.

The input testing tool 10 also includes a platform 24 that is rotatably mounted on base 11 a. The platform 24 includes a plurality of locking members, two of which are illustrated at 26. The locking members 26 enable a device under test to be secured to platform 24 during testing.

In operation, as noted above, the input test tool 10 enables a variety of degrees of motion, including both linear and rotational motion, so that a device under test can be tested utilizing a number of different linear and/or rotational input scenarios. In the illustrated and described embodiment, linear motion can occur along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

Linear motion along the X-axis occurs by moving carriage 18 along the transverse rail 16 in the direction of the double-headed arrow designated “X”. Linear motion along the Y-axis occurs by moving transverse rail 16 in the direction of the double-headed arrow designated “Y” along side rails 12, 14. Linear motion along the Z-axis occurs by moving at least a portion of carriage 18 in the direction of the double-headed arrow designated “Z”, thus changing the height of the carriage's lower portion 22 relative to the device under test that is mounted on platform 24.

In the illustrated and described embodiment, rotational motion can be achieved along the plurality of different rotation axes. In this specific example, a first rotation axis R1 enables platform 24 and hence, a device under test, to be rotated relative to carriage 18. A second rotation axis R2 enables the lower portion 22 and hence, the actuator assembly 23, to be rotated relative to the device under test mounted on platform 24. Example usage scenarios are described just below.

X-Axis Motion

FIG. 2 illustrates the input test tool 10 in additional detail in a configuration in which motion along the X-axis is utilized for a device under test. Here, actuator assembly 23 of carriage 18 includes a cross rail bracket 28 that is configured to removably receive one or more actuators, an example of which is shown at 30. The actuator assembly 23 includes a rotational stage 32 connected to cross rail bracket 28 by way of a linkage 34. Here, a device under test 36 is shown locked into platform 24 by way of locking members 26. A test pattern 38 is shown on the display device of device under test 36.

In operation, the X-axis functions to enable alignment of actuators, such as actuator 30, with a desired x starting position on the display device of the device under test 36. Once aligned, movement in the Y-axis direction can be locked by a locking mechanism (not specifically shown). Once the actuators have been aligned with the test pattern 38, the actuator assembly 23 can be lowered to test the device under test. As an example, consider FIG. 3.

There, the actuator assembly 23 has been lowered by virtue of a handle (not specifically shown) to bring actuator 30 into an operative testing position with respect to the display device of device under test 36. The operative testing position can be a touch-position in which the actuator 30 physically engages the display device. Alternately, the operative testing position can be a near-touch-position in which the actuator 30 does not physically engage the display device. Such would be the case in scenarios where the display device is configured with capacitive, optical, resistive and/or any other type of near-field sensing capabilities.

Once in the operative testing position, carriage 18 and hence, actuator 30 can be moved in the X direction along the test pattern 38. This movement can be facilitated by virtue of four pre-loaded bearings coupled between the carriage 18 and transverse rail 16. As an example, consider FIG. 4.

There, carriage 18 has been moved along the X-axis to the right. Once movement along the test pattern 38 has been completed, the carriage 18 can be returned to its original z position as indicated in FIG. 5.

Y-Axis Motion

FIG. 6 illustrates the input test tool 10 in additional detail in a configuration in which motion along the Y-axis is utilized for a device under test. Here, the cross rail bracket 28 includes a plurality of actuators 30 that have been removably mounted thereon. Here, the device under test 36 is shown locked into platform 24 by way of locking members 26, as in the above example.

In operation, the Y-axis functions to enable alignment of actuators, such as actuators 30, with a desired y starting position on the display device of the device under test 36. Once aligned, movement in the X-axis direction can be locked by a locking mechanism (not specifically shown). Movement in the Y-axis direction can be utilized for swipe tests. Once the actuators have been aligned to the display device as, for example, by being aligned with a test pattern, the actuator assembly 23 can be lowered to test the device under test. As an example, consider FIG. 7.

There, the actuator assembly 23 has been lowered by virtue of a handle (not specifically shown) to bring actuators 30 into an operative testing position with respect to the display device of device under test 36. The operative testing position can be a touch-position in which the actuators 30 physically engage the display device. Alternately, the operative testing position can be a near-touch-position in which the actuators 30 do not physically engage the display device.

Once in the operative testing position, carriage 18 and hence, actuators 30 can be moved in the Y direction along the display device. This movement can be facilitated by virtue of four pre-loaded bearings coupled between the carriage 18 and the side rails 12, 14 (FIG. 1). As an example, consider FIG. 8.

There, carriage 18 has been moved along the Y-axis in a direction toward the reader. Once movement along the display device has been completed, the carriage 18 can be returned to its original z position as indicated in FIG. 9. Notice the illustrated tracings on the display device that indicate the area over which the testing has taken place.

Z-Axis Motion

In the illustrated and described embodiment, the Z-axis is concentric with the R2-axis, as perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 1, and perpendicular to the plane formed by the X and Y axes. Motion in the Z-axis direction controls the vertical location of the actuator assembly 23 relative to the display device of the device under test, as should be evident from the examples above.

In the illustrated and described embodiment, the Z-axis uses a counterbalance spring within linkage 34 to remain stationary once positioned. A threaded knob, not specifically shown, is included in linkage 34 and is used as a lock for motion in the Z-axis direction. A high precision ball spline and a bearing allow for Z-axis motion to not interfere with R2-axis motion.

R1-Axis Motion

Referring to FIG. 10, the R1-axis permits rotational motion of the platform 24 and hence, the device under test. Rotational motion about the R1-axis allows for 360° of freedom which rotates the device under test in a plane parallel to the Y-axis. Rotation of platform 24 is achieved using a rotational stage which is mounted underneath platform 24 and connected to base 11 a. Any suitably-configured rotational stage can be utilized. In addition, the rotational stage includes a locking mechanism so that the rotational movement of the platform 24 can be locked. This permits inputs, such as swipes, to be applied to the display device at various angles. For example, in some test scenarios it may be desirable to apply a linear swipe at a 45° angle relative to one of the sides of the device under test as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the rotational stage can be unlocked and the platform 24 can be rotated 45°. The rotational stage can now be locked and the desired input can be applied to the display device of the device under test.

R2-Axis Motion

In the illustrated and described embodiment, the R2-axis provides rotational motion for the actuator assembly 23. This is achieved through the use of a rotational stage 32 that is mounted between transverse cross rail 16 and linkage 34. Rotational motion about the R2-axis allows for 360° of freedom which rotates the actuator assembly 23 about the Z-axis. Specifically, the R2-axis is concentric with the Z-axis. This is achieved by utilizing a Z-axis ball spline through the center of rotational stage 32.

In addition, the rotational stage 32 includes a locking mechanism so that the rotational movement of the actuator assembly 23 can be locked in place during linear motion and static tests.

FIG. 11 illustrates the input test tool 10 in a configuration in which rotational motion about the R2-axis is utilized for a device under test.

In operation, the once the actuator assembly 23 is aligned, movement in the X-axis and Y-axis directions can be locked. The actuator assembly 23 can now be lowered to test the device under test. As an example, consider FIG. 12.

There, the actuator assembly 23 has been lowered by virtue of a handle (not specifically shown) to bring actuators 30 into an operative testing position with respect to the display device of device under test 36. The operative testing position can be a touch-position in which the actuators 30 physically engage the display device. Alternately, the operative testing position can be a near-touch-position in which the actuators 30 do not physically engage the display device.

Once in the operative testing position, lower portion 22 of carriage 18 can be rotationally moved about the R2-axis by virtue of handle 25. As an example, consider FIG. 13. There, the actuator assembly 23 has been rotated 360° about the Z-axis to provide the illustrated traces. Once movement about the Z-axis has been completed, the lower portion 22 of carriage 18 can be returned to its original z position as indicated in FIG. 14.

Cross Rail Bracket and Actuator

FIG. 15 shows cross rail bracket 28 in more detail and FIG. 16 shows an actuator in more detail in accordance with one or more embodiments.

As noted above, cross rail bracket 28 is used as a carriage to mount one or more actuators 30 onto the input test tool 10. The cross rail bracket is configured to enable the actuators 30 to be removably mounted thereon. Any suitable type of arrangement can be utilized to enable the actuators 30 to be removably mounted, an example of which is provided below. In the illustrated and described embodiment, a metric scale 50 is provided on the cross rail bracket 28 to enable precise alignment of the actuators.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example actuator 30 in a side sectional view having a cutaway to show internal structure. In the illustrated and described embodiment, the cross rail bracket 28 is made from steel and each actuator 30 includes two or more magnets 52 which are utilized to enable the actuator 30 to be removably mounted on the cross rail bracket 28. The actuator 30 includes a central rod 56 that extends along an axis towards a terminus 58. Two coil springs 60, 62 are mounted to be concentric with rod 56 so as to allow the terminus 58 to be biased against the display device. Allowing the terminus 58 to be biased against the display device provides a degree of tolerance for uneven screen surfaces. Spring 60 biases the terminus against the display device while spring 62 allows the terminus 58 to return to its z height. For tap tests, the z height of the actuator can be adjusted so that the terminus 58 resides just above the display device. Rod 56 can then be tapped to move it downward to contact the display device, with spring 62 returning the terminus 58 to its original z height. In one or more embodiments, the force with which the terminus is placed into contact with the display device can be varied. One way in which this can be accomplished is to replace one or more of the springs with different springs having different spring constants. Other techniques can, of course, be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

In the illustrated and described embodiment, terminus 58 includes a conductive tip 64 that can be made from any suitable type of conductive material. In the illustrated and described embodiment, the conductive tip 64 is made from brass which is then wrapped with a conductive fabric. The conductive fabric can comprise any suitable type of conductive fabric. In the illustrated and described embodiment, the conductive fabric is formed from a shielding material such as that used for EMF shielding. A piece of heat shrink material 66 holds the conductive fabric in place on the tip. It is to be appreciated and understood that the tip can be formed from any suitable type of material, including materials that are not conductive in nature, such as various plastics as well as other materials.

Pinch Hanger

FIG. 17 illustrates cross rail bracket 28 having a pinch hanger bracket 68 mounted beneath it. The pinch hanger bracket 68 includes a similar metric scale to enable precise mounting of the actuators. The pinch hanger bracket 68 can be removably secured beneath the cross rail bracket 28 using any suitable type of mechanical arrangement. The pinch hanger bracket 68 is configured to enable actuators 30 to be removably mounted thereon. In operation, the pinch hanger bracket 68 is configured to enable pinch-type inputs to be applied to the display device of a device under test. The actuators 30 ride along a rail which enables the actuators to be moved towards and away from one another. As an example, consider FIGS. 18-21.

FIG. 18 illustrates the input test tool 10 in additional detail in a configuration in which a pinch test is to be conducted. Here, actuator assembly 23 includes two actuators 30 mounted in the pinch hanger bracket 68 which, in turn, is mounted to cross rail bracket 28. A test pattern 70 is shown on the display device of device under test 36.

In operation, once the actuators are aligned in the X and Y directions, movement in the X-axis and Y-axis directions can be locked by a locking mechanism (not specifically shown). Once these directions are locked, the actuator assembly 23 can be lowered to test the device under test. As an example, consider FIG. 19.

There, the actuator assembly 23 has been lowered by virtue of a handle (not specifically shown) to bring actuators 30 into an operative testing position with respect to the display device of device under test 36. The operative testing position can be a touch-position in which the actuators 30 physically engage the display device. Alternately, the operative testing position can be a near-touch-position in which the actuators 30 do not physically engage the display device.

Once in the operative testing position, the actuators 30 can be moved toward one another along the test pattern 70 to provide a pinch input. As an example, consider FIG. 20 which shows the actuators 30 having been moved toward one another to the center of the test pattern 70.

Once movement along the test pattern 70 has been completed, the carriage 18 can be returned to its original z position as indicated in FIG. 21.

Automated Mode Testing

As noted above, in one or more embodiments, the input test tool can be configured to operate in an automated mode. In these embodiments, suitably-configured motors, such as servo motors, stepper motors, and the like, can move the carriage 18 and lower portion 22 to achieve movement in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction, and both R1 and R2 axes. In addition, a camera or cameras can be mounted on the input test tool to acquire a test pattern and suitably configured software can then appropriately position the actuator assembly 23 for testing a device under test.

Example Methods

FIG. 21 a is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordance with one or more embodiments. The method can be implemented manually. Alternately or additionally, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

Step 2100 moves an actuator assembly of an input testing tool into an operative testing position relative to a display device of a device under test. In the illustrated and described embodiment, the actuator assembly includes one or more actuators, as noted above. Step 2102 tests the display device of the device under test by moving the actuator or actuators relative to the display device. As noted above, the operative testing position can be a touch-position in which the actuators physically engage the display device. Alternately, the operative testing position can be a near-touch-position in which the actuators do not physically engage the display device.

Movement of the actuator assembly into the operative testing position can occur in any suitable way. For example, in at least some embodiments, the actuator assembly can be moved in one or more of the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. Once positioned, the actuator assembly can be moved in the Z-axis direction and into the operative testing position.

The actuators can be moved to affect testing of the display device in any suitable way. For example, the actuator assembly and, hence, the actuators can be moved in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. Alternately or additionally, the actuator assembly can be rotationally moved relative to the display device to affect testing, examples of which are provided above.

In automated scenarios, movement of the actuator assembly and the actuators can be performed under the influence of one or more motors, examples of which are provided above.

FIG. 21 b is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordance with one or more embodiments. The method can be implemented manually. Alternately or additionally, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

Step 2104 moves a movable carriage supporting actuator assembly into a position relative to a display device of a device under test. The actuator assembly includes one or more actuators that are removably mounted thereon. The movable carriage is movable in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction. In the illustrated and described embodiments, the actuator assembly is also movable in the Z-axis direction. Step 2106 moves actuator assembly into an operative testing position. In one or more embodiments, movement of the actuator assembly into the operative testing position occurs in the Z-axis direction. Step 2108 moves one or more actuators relative to the display device.

As noted above, the operative testing position can be a touch-position or a near-touch-position.

Further, movement of the actuators can occur in any of the manners described above. For example, the actuators can be moved in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and/or relative to or around a rotation axis. Further, movement of the actuators can occur relative to each other to affect, for example, a pinch test.

In automated scenarios, movement of the carriage, actuator assembly and the actuators can be performed under the influence of one or more motors, examples of which are provided above.

FIG. 21 c is a flow diagram that describes steps in an automated method in accordance with one or more embodiments. The method implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

Step 2110 acquires a test pattern on a display device of a device under test. This step can be performed by using one or more suitably-configured cameras. The cameras can capture a test pattern that is displayed on the display device and convey test pattern data to testing software for subsequent processing. Step 2112 moves an actuator assembly of an input testing tool into an operative testing position. The actuator assembly includes one or more actuators, such as those described above. Movement of the actuator assembly can occur through the use of one or more motors under the influence of testing software that utilizes the test pattern data captured by the cameras. Step 2114 tests the display device of the device under test space by moving one or more actuators relative to the test pattern on the display device.

Testing of the display device by moving the actuators can occur in any suitable way, examples of which are provided above. In addition, the automated testing space scenario can be used for touch-testing and for near-touch-testing.

Having described example operating environments in which various embodiments can be utilized, consider now a discussion of an example device that can be utilized in an automated testing mode, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Example Device

FIG. 22 illustrates various components of an example device 2200 that can be implemented as any type of portable and/or computer device. The computing device can be coupled to the input testing tool 10 and an associated control system that operates one or more motors on the input testing tool 10, under the influence of suitably-programmed software.

Device 2200 includes communication devices 2202 that enable wired and/or wireless communication of device data 2204 (e.g., received data, data that is being received, data scheduled for broadcast, data packets of the data, etc.). The device data 2204 or other device content can include configuration settings of the device, media content stored on the device, and/or information associated with a user of the device. Media content stored on device 2204 can include any type of audio, video, and/or image data. Device 2204 includes one or more data inputs 2206 via which any type of data, media content, and/or inputs can be received, such as user-selectable inputs, messages, music, television media content, recorded video content, and any other type of audio, video, and/or image data received from any content and/or data source.

Device 2200 also includes communication interfaces 2208 that can be implemented as any one or more of a serial and/or parallel interface, a wireless interface, any type of network interface, a modem, and as any other type of communication interface. The communication interfaces 2208 provide a connection and/or communication links between device 2200 and a communication network by which other electronic, computing, and communication devices communicate data with device 2200.

Device 2200 includes one or more processors 2210 (e.g., any of microprocessors, controllers, and the like) which process various computer-executable or readable instructions to control the operation of device 2200 and to implement the embodiments described above. Alternatively or in addition, device 2200 can be implemented with any one or combination of hardware, firmware, or fixed logic circuitry that is implemented in connection with processing and control circuits which are generally identified at 2212. Although not shown, device 2200 can include a system bus or data transfer system that couples the various components within the device. A system bus can include any one or combination of different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processor or local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures.

Device 2200 also includes computer-readable media 2214, such as one or more memory components, examples of which include random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., any one or more of a read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), and a disk storage device. A disk storage device may be implemented as any type of magnetic or optical storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a recordable and/or rewriteable compact disc (CD), any type of a digital versatile disc (DVD), and the like. Device 2200 can also include a mass storage media device 2216.

Computer-readable media 2214 provides data storage mechanisms to store the device data 2204, as well as various device applications 2218 and any other types of information and/or data related to operational aspects of device 2200. For example, an operating system 2220 can be maintained as a computer application with the computer-readable media 2214 and executed on processors 2210. The device applications 2218 can include a device manager (e.g., a control application, software application, signal processing and control module, code that is native to a particular device, a hardware abstraction layer for a particular device, etc.), as well as other applications that can include, web browsers, image processing applications, communication applications such as instant messaging applications, word processing applications and a variety of other different applications. The device applications 2218 also include any system components or modules to implement embodiments of the techniques described herein. In this example, the device applications 2218 include an input testing module 2222 that is shown as a software module and/or computer application. Input testing module 2222 is representative of software that is used to control testing scenarios, as described above. Alternatively or in addition, input testing module 2222 can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

Device 2200 also includes an audio and/or video input-output system 2224 that provides audio data to an audio system 2226 and/or provides video data, as from one or more cameras, to a display system 2228 or input testing module 2222 for processing as described above. The audio system 2226 and/or the display system 2228 can include any devices that process, display, and/or otherwise render audio, video, and image data. Video signals and audio signals can be communicated from device 2200 to an audio device and/or to a display device via an RF (radio frequency) link, S-video link, composite video link, component video link, DVI (digital video interface), analog audio connection, or other similar communication link. In an embodiment, the audio system 2226 and/or the display system 2228 are implemented as external components to device 2200. Alternatively, the audio system 2226 and/or the display system 2228 are implemented as integrated components of example device 2200.

CONCLUSION

Various embodiments provide an input test tool that promotes precision testing, flexibility and repeatability over a wide variety of functionality tests that are utilized in both touch and near-touch input scenarios. The input test tool enables a variety of degrees of motion, including both linear and rotational motion, so that a device under test can be tested utilizing a number of different linear and/or rotational input scenarios.

Although the embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the embodiments defined in the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: moving an actuator assembly of an input testing tool, including one or more actuators, into an operative testing position with respect to a display device of a device under test, the operative testing position enabling testing of inputs to the display device; and testing the display device of the device under test by moving the one or more actuators relative to the display device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said testing position comprises a touch-position in which the one or more actuators physically engage the display device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said testing position comprises a near-touch-position in which the one or more actuators do not physically engage the display device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said testing comprises moving the actuator assembly in one of an X-axis or Y-axis direction.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said testing comprises rotationally moving the actuator assembly relative to the display device.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said moving the actuator assembly into the operative testing position comprises: moving the actuator assembly in one or more of an X-axis direction or a Y-axis direction; and moving the actuator assembly in a Z-axis direction into the operative testing position.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said testing comprises moving a plurality of actuators relative to one another.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said moving the actuator assembly and said moving the one or more actuators are performed under the influence of one or more motors.
 9. A method comprising: using an input testing tool to test a display device of a device under test, the input testing tool comprising: a movable carriage supporting an actuator assembly having one or more actuators removably mounted thereon, the movable carriage being movable in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, the actuator assembly being movable in a Z-axis direction; said using comprising: moving the movable carriage to a position relative to the display device; moving the actuator assembly in the Z-axis direction into an operative testing position; and moving the one or more actuators relative to the display device.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said testing position comprises a touch-position in which the one or more actuators physically engage the display device.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein said testing position comprises a near-touch-position in which the one or more actuators do not physically engage the display device.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein said moving the one or more actuators comprises moving the one or more actuators in an X-axis direction.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein said moving the one or more actuators comprises moving the one or more actuators in a Y-axis direction.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein said moving the one or more actuators comprises moving the actuator assembly to move at least one actuator around a rotation axis relative to the display device.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein said moving the one or more actuators comprises moving a plurality of actuators effective to conduct a pinch test.
 16. One or more computer-readable storage media embodying computer-readable instructions which, when executed, implement a method comprising: acquiring, from one or more cameras, a test pattern on a display device of a device under test; moving an actuator assembly of an input testing tool, including one or more actuators, into an operative testing position with respect to a display device of a device under test, the operative testing position enabling testing of touch inputs to the display device relative to the test pattern; and testing the display device of the device under test by moving the one or more actuators relative to the test pattern on the display device.
 17. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein said testing comprises moving the actuator assembly in one of an X-axis or Y-axis direction.
 18. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein said testing comprises rotationally moving the actuator assembly relative to the display device.
 19. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein said moving the actuator assembly into the operative testing position comprises: moving the actuator assembly in one or more of an X-axis direction or a Y-axis direction; and moving the actuator assembly in a Z-axis direction into the operative testing position.
 20. The one or more computer-readable storage media of claim 16, wherein said testing comprises moving a plurality of actuators relative to one another. 